Kuwait-based firm, Indore company sign Rs 7,430 cr fisheries pact under MP policy; CM Yadav terms major boost for sector
Bhopal, July 6
Kuwait-based Zabedi Al Kuwait Fisheries Company and Indore-based Kamdars Care on Monday signed a Rs 7,430 crore investment and buyback agreement under the Madhya Pradesh Integrated Fisheries Industry Policy-2026.
The agreement was signed in the presence of Chief Minister Mohan Yadav at CM residence office in Bhopal with the project expected to generate 35,000 job opportunities and significantly boost the state's fisheries sector.
According to an official release, the project envisages the development of backward and forward linkage infrastructure, including cage culture facilities, at the Indira Sagar, Bargi, Bansagar and Barna reservoirs.
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said that the initiative would strengthen the fisheries sector and improve the livelihoods of the fishing community while contributing to farmers' income under the state's 'Krishak Kalyan Varsh' initiative.
"The State Government is firmly committed to ensuring the prosperity of farmers. Along with agriculture, the fisheries sector is emerging as a major avenue for increasing their income. A large section of Madhya Pradesh's fishing community depends on fisheries for its livelihood. To improve their socio-economic well-being, the activities under the Madhya Pradesh Integrated Fisheries Industry Policy-2026 are being expanded internationally. This agreement will usher in a new era in fisheries development and the welfare of the fishing community," the CM said.
Highlighting the state's potential, CM Yadav added Madhya Pradesh possesses abundant water resources that can support large-scale fisheries development, helping meet domestic food requirements while boosting exports.
Describing Kuwait as a friendly nation, the Chief Minister said the state government is working with full commitment and speed to translate foreign investment proposals into reality, and the positive outcomes are now becoming increasingly visible. He expressed confidence that Madhya Pradesh would establish a distinct identity in the fisheries sector in the years to come.
During the signing ceremony, it was informed that the Madhya Pradesh Integrated Fisheries Industry Policy-2026 aims to attract private and foreign investment to develop a modern, export-oriented, value-added fisheries industry in the state.
Under the agreement, an estimated investment of Rs 7,430 crore will be made to develop backwards and forward linkage infrastructure, including cage culture facilities, at the Indira Sagar, Bargi, Bansagar and Barna reservoirs. The project is expected to generate an additional 400,000 tonnes of fish production through cage culture.
In addition, 123,000 tonnes of vegetables will be produced through aquaponics, hydroponics and greenhouse cultivation. The initiative is expected to create 15,000 direct and 20,000 indirect employment opportunities. The state has set a target of achieving fish exports worth nearly Rs 6,000 crore. The Chief Minister said this initiative would particularly benefit the fishing community across Madhya Pradesh.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Impressive numbers: Rs 7,430 crore investment and 4 lakh tonnes extra fish production! But I hope the local fishermen are trained properly for cage culture. They've been doing traditional fishing for generations, we need proper skill development programs alongside this policy.
Farm ponds mein bhi fishing ho sakti hai! 👏 Aquaponics and hydroponics too - 123,000 tonnes vegetables along with fish is such a smart integrated approach. This is exactly the kind of innovation we need in Indian agriculture and allied sectors.
Rs 6,000 crore export target? That's ambitious. But first we need to ensure quality control and cold chain infrastructure. Without proper storage and transport, all this fish won't reach international markets. Let's hope the backward-forward linkage is done right this time.
Main Indore se hoon and had no idea Kamdars Care was involved in fisheries! Great to see MP getting international partnerships. But I hope this doesn't lead to water pollution or displacement of traditional fisherfolk near these reservoirs. Need to balance development with sustainability 🌊
Interesting to see a Kuwaiti firm investing in MP's inland fisheries. The cage culture and aquaponics components are quite advanced for India. If executed well, this could become a model for other states with major reservoirs like Maharashtra and Odisha to follow.
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